The St. Louis Cardinals received a significant boost on Monday as they activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list ahead of their pivotal series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Contreras, sidelined since fracturing his forearm on May 7, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the big-league level.
Key Reinforcement
Contreras' return could not have come at a better time for the Cardinals. At the time of his injury, the team held a 15-21 record, trailing by 6.5 games in the National League Central. Fast forward to Monday, and the Cardinals have improved their standing to 39-37, positioning themselves five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. If the season were to end today, they would clinch the second of the three National League wild-card spots, a testament to their resilience and competitive spirit.
The impact of Contreras' absence was palpable. Before his injury, the 32-year-old catcher was an offensive powerhouse, boasting a .280/.398/.551 slash line (167 OPS+) with six home runs and 12 RBIs over his first 31 games. His performances translated to an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference. His return is expected to provide a substantial boost as the Cardinals navigate this crucial juncture of the season.
Contreras' injury resulted from an unfortunate incident during a game against the New York Mets, where he was struck on the forearm by a swing from designated hitter J.D. Martinez. Now recovered, Contreras is set to continue his contributions in the second year of his five-year deal with the Cardinals, which is valued at over $87 million.
Roster Moves
In related roster changes, the Cardinals optioned backup catcher Nick Raposo to Triple-A Memphis to make room for Contreras. Raposo had been recently recalled due to Iván Herrera's stint on the injured list with lower back tightness. With Contreras back in the lineup, Pagés will serve as his backup until Herrera is ready to return to active duty.
The Cardinals also made a move involving their bullpen, activating right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the injured list and optioning him to Triple-A Memphis. These strategic roster shuffles underscore the team's commitment to optimizing their lineup and bullpen as they gear up for the competitive stretch ahead.
Looking Forward
The Cardinals face a stern test against the Atlanta Braves, and Contreras' return is pivotal as they aim to sustain their momentum and strengthen their position within the division. His expertise behind the plate and presence in the lineup will be crucial as the team navigates the ebbs and flows of the season.
As the Cardinals strive to keep their playoff aspirations alive, the focus will now be on integrating Contreras back into the fold and leveraging his capabilities to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. With a healthy Contreras, the Cardinals are poised to make a determined push within their division and beyond.